“Treat her well,” he said to the Duke. “She deserves the world and no less.”
Val returned the handshake and bowed.
“That, she does,” he said. “I will never let her be without me.”
Cecily imagined that the earl bowed, rather stiffly given the tension in the atmosphere. That was quickly replaced with suffocating affection from Agnes.
“Oh, Sister,” she said, sobbing softly into her shoulder. “I am going to miss you terribly.”
Cecily choked back her own emotion as she stroked her sister’s hair.
“I will miss you too,” she said. “But you can always be our guest. And you must write as often as you can.”
Agnes nodded, reluctantly stepping back.
“I will write to you at least twice a week,” she said. “I cannot wait to tell you all about the Season.”
Cecily nodded, reaching out to wipe away her sister’s tears.
“I cannot wait to hear all about it, Aggie,” she said. “Nor can I wait to have Greta write you letters on the new stationery.”
Agnes nodded, also kissing her sister’s cheek. Agnes then turned and curtseyed to her new brother-in-law.
“I wish you both the best,” she said. She sounded sincere, but a little cautious, much like their father. “May you have a long, happy life together.”
Val bowed.
“Thank you, Lady Agnes,” he said.
Then, the countess stepped forward. By that time, Cecily could feel the tears streaming down her cheeks, but she clenched her teeth together to stifle sobs. Her mother cupped her face in her hands, wiping at the tears.
“I love you, Cecily, dear,” she said, kissing the spots on her cheeks where her hands just were. “I could not be happier for you, though I will miss you very much.”
Cecily leaned into her mother’s embrace, burying her face to quiet a sob that would no longer be stifled. For a moment, she wished that he hadn’t married Val, and that she could stay at home with her family. But she quickly reminded herself of why she did it and how selfish it would be to remain a burden to her family forever.
“I will miss you, too, Mama,” she said. “I love you so much.”
The Countess nodded, stroking the back of her eldest daughter’s head.
“Go now, my dear,” she said, moving so that she could take one of Cecily’s arms, while Agnes took the other. “Let us get you on your way, so that your new life can begin.”
Cecily nodded, trying to smile. She was determined to make her new life work. But she knew that missing her family would be almost unbearable for quite some time.
Val and the Earl went to ensure that the footmen had loaded all his new wife’s luggage. Meanwhile, the women bade farewell to the Dowager Duchess, who would be returning to the Duke’s London home.
“Cecily, darling,” the Dowager said after saying her goodbyes to Agnes and the Countess. “I want you to know that you can always let me know if you and Val need anything, as well. I am just thrilled that you are my daughter-in-law.”
Cecily smiled and curtseyed, but she noticed that the Dowager sounded a bit apprehensive, as well. Was she lying about being glad Cecily had married her son?
“Thank you,” she said. “I am so grateful for your kindness.”
“Everything is ready, Cecily,” Val said from the entryway. “We shall leave whenever you are prepared for travel.”
Cecily nodded. She and the other women in her family walked out the door together for the last time, and they escorted her to the carriage. Val went out ahead of them, waiting as they gave one another one last farewell. Then, Agnes walked Cecily to Val, who had his hand out to help her into the carriage.
Behind Cecily was Greta, who sat down just beside her. Then Val boarded, sitting across from his wife. Cecily gave him a small smile, unsure of whether he could see her.
“The country seat is a four-hour drive from London,” he said as the carriage set off.
